Academics - The Frederick Gunn School

Mr. Koza

Dean of Academics

Alyssa

Class of '27

Mrs. Hagymasi

Assistant Dean of Academics

Micheal

Class of '26

Ms. Rimany '14

English Faculty

Innovative learning ecosystem

Teaching and learning at Gunn is based on a time-tested philosophy that challenges and supports our motivated students throughout their educational journey. At Gunn, our faculty is committed to inspiring the imaginations of our students in ways that allow them to become adventurous learners. We believe that character counts — it is the foundation upon which our programs are built. Gunn students are curious and honorably ambitious. They are risk-takers, problem solvers, and independent thinkers. Our learning ecosystem is built around the four pillars found on this page, which guide all that we do in the classroom and across the entirety of our programs, from the fields, to the stage, to residential life, and so much more. And what you will find through all of our programs is an environment where we will meet every student where they are, while never letting them stay there.

Advising at Gunn

Extra Help at Gunn

Top 3%

Private High School in America Niche 2026 Survey

41

AP & Honors Classes

60%

of Classes are in new Spaces

150+

Challenging and Engaging Classes

Risk-taking and innovation

We expect all of our students to step outside of their comfort zones, to put themselves out there, take risks, fail, get back up, and try again. At Gunn, this expectation not only informs our classroom experiences, it transcends all areas of our campus in the arts, athletics, residential life, and just day-to-day engagement with peers and teachers alike. We believe that these traits are what innovation requires and are exactly the characteristics that our students take away after immersing themselves in our programming.

The Center for Entrepreneurship

Learning yourself and how to learn

At Gunn, we believe that all of us are unique learners and that only through an intentional program can we become the best learners possible. We aim to mentor our students in ways that build confidence, prepare them to attack challenges, and in the end, become fierce advocates for themselves and others. We support all of this in our 24 x 7 program, leading students to embrace growth mindsets that encourage them to explore how they best learn in the classroom and beyond. Our Center for Academic Excellence and Highlander Advocate office hours offer extra support from faculty at times that are built into the daily schedule. Our Advisory Program ensures every student is thriving in all aspects of their experience. Student Progress Meetings, held three times each year, help faculty to support the growth of every student. Our Peer Advising Program fosters student-to-student problem-solving. These are time-tested practices that empower students to become lifelong learners who are ready for whatever is next.

Advising at Gunn

Public character and active citizenship

Our goals for students are bold, ambitious, and built around the ideals our school has stood for since 1850. Led by our four-year Center for Citizenship and Just Democracy curriculum, students develop an understanding of who they are and how they can make a difference in their community and the world. We call this active citizenship, yet what we must acknowledge is that none of this develops by chance. It takes a program committed to unlocking curiosity, to embracing risk-taking, to finding your voice while also being willing to listen to all points of view. This is how our students become independent thinkers capable of leading with character. We start by helping students to identify what they stand for, and then to put these values into practice in ways that have an impact on our community. We believe our graduates will, in the words of Frederick Gunn, "think boldly, fearlessly" as they move onward to college and beyond.

Center for Citizenship and Active Citizenship

A sense of rootedness and place

Guided by our commitments to discovering the outdoors, connecting with our local community, and embracing experiential learning, we push students to engage with the world around them. Through experience, we know that connecting with the natural world promotes a sense of discovery and the development of life skills — problem-solving, collaboration, and leadership — in an environment where students are no longer constrained by smart phones and screens. Spending time in nature or engaging in local community matters can be challenging, but we know our students can do hard things, and the sense of accomplishment they derive from these experiences is something they will hold onto forever.

Gunn Outdoors

Curriculum Guide